Local briefing - April 13

The Olympian | • Published April 13, 2009

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Lacey

Converse with Romero at coffee hour

Thurston County Commissioner Sandra Romero will have an informal coffee hour starting at 2 p.m. April 20, at Olympic Crest Coffee Roasters, 4211 Pacific Ave. S.E., Lacey.

Romero is the representative for District 2, which includes Lacey, Yelm and Rainier.

This month's coffee discussion will focus on housing and homeless issues. Participants can talk about issues of concern and ask Romero questions about the county.

"Our first coffee last month was a real success," Romero said in a news release. "I want to continue listening to Lacey citizens and see how the county can work with them. A healthy community is an engaged community and I want to be part of that conversation."

Middle school lauded for its yearbook

Komachin Middle School was given the silver crown award for its yearbook publication at the Columbia Scholastic Press Association convention at Columbia University in New York City.

Crown Awards are the highest recognition given by the association to a student print or online medium for overall excellence. The silver crown award is the second-highest award overall and was received by 62 schools.

Olympia

Students invited to enter speech contest

High school students from Thurston County schools are invited to debate at the Law Day speech competition sponsored by the Thurston County Bar Association.

This year's theme is "free speech versus hate speech: must we defend the rights of bigots to express their hatred of minority groups?" Students must use this topic to create a minute-long speech.

The preliminary round will be at 4 p.m. April 24 at Thurston County Courthouse, Building 2, 2000 Lakeridge Drive S.W., Olympia.

Competitors will be judged by a panel of lawyers based on the quality of content and the effectiveness of delivery. The top three speakers will move on to the final round, held at noon April 28 at the West Olympia Rotary Club.

The finalists will be awarded prizes and plaques. First prize is $700, second is $600 and third is $500.

For more information, call Charles Williams at 360-786-8000.

South Sound

Deadline nears for scholarship for seniors

The deadline is Wednesday to submit applications for scholarships from The Rotary Club of South Puget Sound. The scholarships are for seniors graduating from Rochester, Tenino, Rainier and Oakville high schools. The scholarships range from $500 to $1,000 and are intended to defray the cost of attending college or trade school. Applicants will be selected based on need and benefit.

Applications are available at www.southpugetsoundrotary.net. Each application must be accompanied by a 500-word maximum essay explaining the candidate's goals and needs. Winners will be required to attend a meeting of the Rotary Club of South Puget Sound to report on how the scholarship will further their education and service plans.

The Olympian